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This article describes the new Tools tab that is available in the System Configuration utility (Msconfig.exe). The new Tools tab is available after you install the 906569 update on a Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)-based computer.

You can use the Tools tab in the System Configuration utility to start diagnostic tools. The Tools tab also displays both the path and the switches for the tools.

To start one or more of the tools that are listed on the Tools tab, click the tool that you want to start, and then click Launch. Alternatively, click the tool that you want to start, and then press ALT+L.

You can customize the list of tools on the Tools tab to include additional tools, to modify command-line switches or to add both of these functionalities. You can apply changes to the list of tools by using update services such as Windows Update or OEM programs. Additionally, you can customize the Tools tab by editing the Mscfgtlc.xml file that is associated with the System Configuration utility. You must create the Mscfgtlc.xml file in the same folder where the Msconfig.exe file is located. By default, the Msconfig.exe file is located in the Windows\PCHealth\HelpCtr\Binaries folder.

Note The Mscfgtlc.xml file is a system file. To change this file, you must have administrative permissions.

In this example, entry "a" shows an entry that contains no advanced functionality. No advanced functionality is available because of the null argument for the ADV_OPT element. Entry "b" contains an entry that has advanced functionality. In entry "b," the whole command is repeated together with the addition of a switch. Additionally, the tool is started in a Command Prompt window.

You do not have to provide a tool description in the Mscfgtlc.xml file. However, if you use incorrect path, syntax or option information, you receive an error message. Additionally, if you use incorrect path, syntax or option information, the tools that you want to display are not visible on the Tools tab in this situation.

The following table provides descriptions of the tools that are visible on the Tools tab. This table also lists the default commands to start these tools at a command prompt:

Collapse this tableExpand this table

Tool name

Description on the Tools tab

Default command

About Windows

Shows the version of Windows currently installed on the system.

Winver.exe

Command Prompt

Opens a Command-Prompt window.

Cmd.exe

Event Viewer

Displays monitoring and troubleshooting messages from Windows and other programs.

Eventvwr.msc

Internet Options

Internet Explorer Settings.

Inetcpl.cpl

Internet Protocol Configuration

IPCONFIG is a command-line tool used to control network connections on Windows-based computers.

Provides details about programs and processes running on your computer.

Taskmgr.exe

Note When you click Internet Protocol Configuration on the Tools tab, an Advanced Options check box is available. Click to select the Advanced Options check box, and then click Launch if you want to include detailed information for all network adaptors. This procedure returns the same result that you receive when you run the ipconfig /all command. Click to clear the Advanced Options check box if you want to see only the basic network information for enabled network adaptors.

To start the System Configuration utility, use either of the following methods.

Microsoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.

Note The Italian version of this update is Windowsxp-kb906569-v3-x86-ita.exe.

Important
You must be running Windows XP SP2 to install this update.

The English version of this update has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.